Rita M. Koch
Rita M. Koch, age 93, of the Sunset Apartments, died on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on December 8, 1922 in Quincy, IL the daughter of Herbert and Agnes (Waterkotte) Brink. She married Myron L. “Bud” Koch on May 8, 1948 in St. Francis Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on August 8, 1992. Rita graduated from St. Francis Grade School, in later years getting her GED. Rita was a self-employed hairdresser having her salon in her home for many years in the Liberty area.
Rita was very active in the Catholic Church throughout the years. She had been a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, IL for over 30 years and then St. Francis for over 15 years. During those years she was involved in numerous liturgical and social ministries. She was also active in the Cursillo movement and was a member of the Secular Franciscans. Her greatest joys were her faith, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and playing cards with her family and friends.
Rita is survived by:
TWO CHILDREN: Myron W. “Bill” Koch DVM and his wife Mary of Ursa, IL and Pat M. Koch and her partner Deanna Dixon of South Hadley, Massachusetts.
SEVEN GRANDCHILDREN: Jennifer Hendricks and her husband Tracy; Jamie Mixer and her husband Joel; Julie Miller and her husband Marc; Jean Kinder and her husband Michael; Joan Goehl and her husband Adam; Jill Koch and Dria Avery Koch Dixon.
16 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Andrew, Allie and Anna Hendricks; Grace, Ella, Andi, Bryce and Miles Mixer; Isabelle, Elizabeth, Wyatt and Adalynn Miller; Katie and Karly Kinder; and Landon and Evelyn Goehl.
TWO SISTERS: Mary Haistings and Alberta Freiburg
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
In addition to her husband, Rita was also preceded in death by her parents, a grandson Scott Cole Mixer, two brothers: William and Herbert Brink, Jr. and a sister Virginia Bonness.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3rd at 9:15 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 AM in St. Anthony Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church.
“Bud” and Rita – what a wonderful example of Faith for all to see. Seems the quote “Preach the gospel and when necessary use words” , were meant for them. We are all better for having known them.
May the “hearer of prayer” continue to give your family comfort during this most difficult time. Lean on those close to you, they will give your family encouragement as the days ahead become to hard to bear alone. We hope that the many cards,hugs,kind words, and loving prayers grant your family peace.
So sorry for your loss. Such a sweet lady. God Bless.
Doc Koch, Paul and I are sorry to hear about your Mother’s passing. Saying a prayer for comfort during this time.